Tag Archives: NCAA

Wrong…Again

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The NCAA rejected FSU’s appeal regarding the decision to strip Bobby Bowden of 14 wins because of a cheating scandal.  I realize I’m biased because of my fan loyalty to THE Florida State University, but this is NOT right.  Bowden was the head football coach, so yes he is responsible for his players’ actions…to a point.  There was no evidence that Bowden, or any of the coaching staff for that matter, had anything to do with some players cheating on a test.  So, I don’t see why the NCAA is penalizing Bowden.  The University already punished those students and TA’s involved, and the NCAA revoked some scholarships as well.  FSU even took the high road and reported the incident to the NCAA itself before it leaked out through the media.  The way I see it, this is the NCAA trying to make a statement, using one of the game’s legendary figures as an example of what NOT to do.

Psssst…Hey, NCAA…I’ve got a dirty little secret for you:

CHEATING EXISTS EVERYWHERE, especially with major sports programs.  Duh.  Now, understand that I do NOT, in any way, condone academic dishonesty.  But, let’s be honest and get real for just a second here.  FSU is not the first school at which athletes have cheated, nor will it be the last.  I appreciate the NCAA taking a firm stand to curb it, if not prevent it.  But punishing the coach for something he had no part of is wrong.  The NCAA was wrong about the whole “Seminole” mascot thing and it’s wrong about this.  Wake up, NCAA, and smell the Icy Hot.  Of course, I shouldn’t really expect anything different.  After all, this is the same organization that is contemplating paying student athletes and determines its national football championship using a computer.

30 of 30(‘s)

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I turned 30 on couple of days ago, and frankly, it was weird.  I’m not freaked out, like some people get when they reach this “milestone.”  It’s weird in that I’m starting another decade of life.  It’s weird how much older 30 seems than 29.  It’s weird because it doesn’t seem any different from age 29, except when I say out loud “I’m 30.”  I used to use the phrase “you’re only as old as you feel” when I worked retail.  I said that to men who would come into the store and hesitate to buy an item because they felt they were “too old for that.”  The way I see it, I certainly don’t feel too old for anything.  In fact, I don’t feel like I’m 30, which is contributing to the weirdness of the occasion.  I still make crude fart jokes, poke Marty incessantly when we’re together, dance around my apartment in a silly manner when I’m giddy, and get excited to play new video games.  Again, I don’t feel like I’m 30, but I am.  So…there it is.

In honor of my 30th birthday, I thought I’d make a list similar to the monthly 12 of 12 I try to post.  This time, however, the list is comprised of things I hope to see and/or do while in my 30’s.  I’ve got a decade to complete the list, so I think I’ve got a pretty good shot at checking off everything.  Here goes (in no particular order):

  1. Watch the Cubs win the World Series.
  2. Pay off my student loans.
  3. Go whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon.
  4. Learn Chopin’s “Fantasie Impromptu.”
  5. Write and publish a book.
  6. Meet U2.
  7. Buy a house.
  8. Go to Wimbledon.
  9. Watch the Bears win another Super Bowl.
  10. Learn to write left-handed.
  11. Celebrate Oreo’s 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th birthdays.
  12. Get married.
  13. Add a different stamp to my passport.
  14. See my parents retire.
  15. Win a tennis tournament.
  16. Become fluent in Tagalog.
  17. Learn Spanish.
  18. Get tenure.
  19. Present at an international conference.
  20. Buy a new car.
  21. See a sunset on the beach at Boracay.
  22. Drive on the Autobahn.
  23. Skydive.
  24. Watch FSU win another NCAA college football national championship.
  25. Have a child.
  26. Swim with dolphins.
  27. Visit all 30 (ha!) MLB parks.
  28. See Niagra Falls.
  29. Learn to cook more Filipino food.
  30. ?
You’ll notice that #30 was left blank.  That’s where you, the reader, comes in.  I’d appreciate your suggestions.  They could be silly or sincere (I prefer sincere).  In any case, I look forward to reading what you think I should do in my thirties.